David L Walmsley and Emilie Sellier, UK scientists at Vernalis Research, have 3D printed a new device for flow chemistry applications, outlining their study in the recently published ‘Design and Development of a 3D-printed back-pressure regulator.’
With the fabrication of a new back-pressure regulator, the researchers are hoping to improve flow rates in chemistry systems like continuous-flow synthesis. In this study, the authors strive to combine flow chemistry into medicinal chemistry as they refine the ‘unsung hero of flow chemistry,’ for assisting in the transition from a batch reactor to a flow system.
The regulator is required to keep comprehensive pressure, from the pump head, through the reactor, and ultimately the BPR too.
The BPR was 3D printed in two separate faceplates, allowing the researchers to insert hex nuts at the appropriate points and then complete the print, as well as sealing in the nuts. Tinkercad was used for the 3D design of the faceplates for the BPR, along with Cura software, and an Ultimaker 3 for 3D printing.
The chosen material for the BPR was polypropylene (PP), due to its chemical resistance. During the study, the authors were able to fabricate up to nine of the face plates at once on the Ultimaker 3, with only one pause in printing. The researchers listed the following details for the print:
- The liquid face plate’s underside was built onto the print table, resulting in a smooth surface.
- Two slots, rectangular in shape, connected to the membrane, to both liquid input and output.
- Two bolt holes were built into the design for securing both plates together.
- A gas face place was created for one M5 nut to provide a connection to the air supply, via a thread and tubing.
Three samples were built for this study as the researchers studied consistency in each one and how long it took to 3D print.
“Using one face from one of the BPRs as a template, we marked and cut out the shape of the diaphragm out of 0.1 mm thick PTFE sheet. Holes for the M4 bolts to pass through were also marked using the template and then cut out using 4 mm hollow punch. Similarly, we cut out a gasket layer that would be placed on the gas face side of the membrane and cut out the center using a 9 mm hollow punch,” explained the researchers.
The plates were stabilized with two ‘lightly secured’ 2 x M4 stainless steel wing nuts which served to add pressure to the design.
“Fittings for liquid input and output were installed into the liquid face plate and the gas face plate push fit was connected to the regulated gas supply suing 4 mm ID tubing. The BPR was tested for leaks and performance using tetrahydrofuran and acetonitrile as the solvents,” concluded the researchers.
“STL files that can be used to 3D print the Vernalis BPR can be found here. A list of parts and instructions for assembly are included in the files as well as in the supplementary information of the paper, ‘Design and Development of a 3D-printed back-pressure regulator.’”
What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.
[Source / Images: ‘Design and Development of a 3D-printed back-pressure regulator’]
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
3D Printing Webinar & Event Roundup: May 28, 2023
It’s another busy week in the world of 3D printing webinars and events, covering topics like automated wax support removal, wire-laser metal additive manufacturing, SLS 3D printing, manufacturing for space,...
Commercial & Defense 3D Printing at the Point of Need with SPEE3D
Australian OEM SPEE3D, which specializes in cold spray metal additive manufacturing (AM) solutions that work under extreme conditions, is one of the more interesting companies in the AM industry right...
Dental 3D Market Grew to $4B in 2022
SmarTech Analysis, the leading 3D printing market research firm and the sibling firm of 3DPrint.com, has released the latest iteration of one of its flagship reports, 3D Printing in Dentistry...
3D Printing Webinar & Event Roundup: May 21, 2023
There are several conferences and trade shows to tell you about in this week’s roundup, along with a few webinars as well. Materialise will discuss what’s new in Magics, 3D...
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.